Real-time traffic monitoring by in-car technology

Traditionally, traffic detection is achieved via so-called inductive loops. In fact, many of the Dutch motorways are equipped with a dense array of these loops (at approximately 500 meter distance). These loops are however relatively expense, and require substantial maintenance.

In the recent years however, new technologies have become available that can be used as alternatives for these inductive loops. Amongst these techniques is in-car technology, for instance via mobile phones or via in-car navigation technology.

One of the major questions is how this information can be put to use for real-time traffic management (e.g. monitoring, incident detection, traffic information and guidance). For which traffic management measures can these data be used and how will their performance be affected?